PMH Nurse Practitioner Receives Provincial Recognition

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) within Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) has received provincial recognition for her dedicated mentorship and leadership role within the NP field. The Nurse Practitioner Association of Manitoba’s (NPAM) Award of Excellence was presented to Heather Hollinda at the organization’s annual conference in Winnipeg on November 2, 2018.

The recognition is well-deserved for Hollinda —based in Roblin— who is considered one of the trailblazers for NP’s within PMH.

"Heather has been an NP in rural Manitoba for nine years and one of the initial NPs in the region," stated Shaunna Watt-Dorscheid, a regional colleague who nominated her for the award.

"I was a student learning alongside Heather within my NP program. As a preceptor, she provides a respectful, collaborative approach where students thrive. After the students completed their practicum, she continues to provide assistance through consultation and mentoring as a senior NP in the program and region."

Hollinda currently provides primary care for family of all ages in two clinical settings, a Teen Clinic and occasionally on the Mobile Clinic. She is very humbled to be receiving the recognition.

"It really means a lot to be recognized by a former student and now peer. When I first started acting as a preceptor, I was concerned that I was too "new" and might not have enough to offer. Receiving nomination for this award, as a preceptor, certainly provides reassurance that I do have a lot to share," Hollinda stated.

Hollinda remembers how challenging it was to be a student, balancing family, work, studies, life in general, and how fortunate she was to have the support of her friend and peer, Sheila Kringle along the way. She adds, if there is anything she can do to encourage and support a student or peer, she does it! "

"I encourage all NP’s to act as a preceptor. I feel that having a student makes me a better NP – they come with fresh knowledge of the latest guidelines and resources and challenges me to remember the "why’s" I do things the way I do and reflect more critically on my practice. It is very rewarding to see the number of NP’s grow, not only in our Region, but in our province, and to know that we had a small part in facilitating that!"

PMH acknowledges Heather for her continued dedication and commitment to both the people she provides service to and for sharing her knowledge and expertise to enhance the skills of her students and colleagues. The region congratulates her for being recognized with the NPAM Award of Excellence!